It is quite easy to distinguish Ameraucana from other chicken breeds. This bird, which is bred to produce eggs of an original color, is distinguished by dense plumage and pronounced whiskers protruding from both sides of the beak. Ameraucana stands out from its relatives with its developed wings, and the roosters of this breed are aggressive towards their owners and females.
History of occurrence and description of the breed
Ameraucana appeared in the 70s of the last century by crossing Araucana with American chicken breeds. Officially, this variety of poultry was included in the relevant registers in 1984.
The Ameraucana breed does not have a single color color that distinguishes these chickens from their relatives. There are 8 varieties of poultry, differing in the color of their plumage..
The popularity of Ameraucana among farmers consists of two components: increased egg production and unusual-tasting meat. The breed is characterized by unpretentiousness in terms of care and the ability to live in northern regions. The eggs of these chickens have a variety of colors, which is why these birds are called “Easter”.
Appearance of Ameraucana
This breed is classified into 8 species based on plumage color. Also in the Ameraucana genus there are dwarf representatives known as bantams. The main characteristic of these domestic birds is the presence of pronounced whiskers that hide their small heads. This feature gives the chickens an aristocratic appearance.
The characteristic features of Ameraucana include the following:
- red or dark red eyes;
- large curved beak;
- pisiform ridge, increasing in the middle part;
- red and elongated lobes (roosters have a more saturated color);
- compact arched tail, bent at an angle of 45 degrees;
- large wings that allow the bird to fly;
- paws of medium length, wide set;
- The color of the paws depends on the shade of the plumage.
The color of the eggs varies from green to blue, and in rare cases pink.
The weight of adult hens is 2.5 kilograms, roosters - 3 kilograms. Chicks reach sexual maturity at 6 months of age.
Bird productivity
Ameraucana is bred to produce unusually flavored meat and brightly colored eggs, which are in demand. Chickens of this breed “do not like” to hatch chicks. Over the course of a year, adult females are capable of laying up to 210-250 eggs, the weight of which is, on average, 65 grams.
Character of the breed
Roosters of this breed are distinguished by aggressive behavior, showing their own character towards their owners and hens. Therefore, it is recommended to keep males in separate enclosures. This bird is characterized by curiosity, and therefore the females are constantly on the move, looking for something interesting.
The behavior of the chicks depends on their well-being:
- get confused among themselves - experience cold;
- they squeak continuously - they ask for food;
- moving away from the heat source - too hot;
- do not make sounds - do not experience discomfort.
In the first 10 weeks, the chicks develop muscle and bone mass. During this period, it is necessary to provide the chickens with proper nutrition. After 10 weeks, the chicks begin to actively gain weight. Within the specified period, it is necessary to ensure uniform access to power sources.
Lack of food will lead to the fact that large chicks will begin to attack small ones.
Main pros and cons
Ameraucana chickens have the following advantages:
- colored eggs;
- original-tasting meat;
- increased endurance;
- ability to live in cold and hot climates;
- high productivity;
- low nutritional requirements;
- presence of immunity to common diseases;
- viable chicks.
The main disadvantage of these chickens is the nature of the birds. Males are more aggressive, and females do not hatch eggs.
Content Tips
Due to the lack of brooding instinct in Ameraucana, farmers breed these birds in two ways: buying chicks or installing an incubator on the site.
Poultry house
Due to the fact that this breed is inquisitive, it is necessary to build a spacious chicken coop for the birds with a mandatory walking area. The poultry house must be protected from moisture, rodents and parasites. It is recommended to cover the walls, ceiling and floor with materials that prevent the formation of drafts.
Even though chickens are not picky about their care, the house should be cleaned regularly. Inside the room you need to maintain a constant temperature of +14-19 degrees. The poultry house should also contain perches installed at a height of 60-80 centimeters. For roosters you need to install strips 35 centimeters long, for females - 30 centimeters. It is necessary to place a container with sand in the chicken coop in which the birds will take dust baths.
Ameraucanas develop well at a humidity of 60-70%. To avoid infection of poultry in the chicken coop, it is recommended to regularly disinfect and replace the litter.
Walk
Ameraucana chickens love to go for long walks. Therefore, it is necessary to organize a cage for the birds next to the chicken coop. The walking area should be fenced on all sides, including from above. The absence of a “ceiling” will lead to chickens scattering around the area.
Farmers also recommend installing a fence for this area on the foundation, and also erecting separate shady canopies where birds can roam during the warm season.
Preparing feeders and drinkers
Inside the coop and in the walking area, it is necessary to provide the chickens with sources of water and nutrition.To do this, it is recommended to install vacuum drinking bowls that do not allow water to pass through and provide the dryness necessary for birds in the area where they live. Ameraucana should be given clean water.
Feeders should be cleaned immediately after feeding or once a day.
Molting and break in egg laying
Starting in October (or with the onset of cold weather), the Ameraucana begins a molting period, which lasts up to two or three months. At this time, up to 85% of the chickens’ body resources are spent on changing plumage. Therefore, the number of eggs during this period is sharply reduced.
During molting, it is recommended to add protein or mineral supplements to the food. At the end of the specified period, the previous egg production is restored.
Planned herd replacement
Due to the fact that Ameraucana chickens are more productive within 1.5-2 years, it is necessary to begin replacing the flock after the females reach one year of age.
Feeding chickens
Egg production and other indicators that affect the life of the herd depend on feeding characteristics. Therefore, special attention must be paid to the nutrition of chickens.
Chicks
After birth and for the next three weeks, the chicks should be fed five times a day, with an interval of one hour. In the future, the chickens need to be switched to three meals a day. It is necessary to feed the chicks with compound feed, which contains B vitamins and protein.
During the first 1.5 years of life, greens and crushed eggshells should be introduced into the diet of young animals. During this period, the chicks should be gradually transferred to the diet of adult chickens. Ameraucana chicks also require plenty of fluids.
Adults
During the summer, adult chickens can be fed twice a day, in winter - three times.A suitable diet for the Ameraucana breed is considered to be a mixture of mixed feed and greens. Additionally, it is recommended to include corn, barley, oats and wheat in the diet. To ensure the normal functioning of adult birds, the diet should consist of 16-20% animal proteins.
Breeding
To breed the breed you will need an incubator, since chickens do not hatch eggs. You can also purchase young animals. However, it is difficult to do this in Russia, since it is impossible to determine the breed of the chick by looking at it.
To hatch young animals, you should choose large eggs laid 2-7 days ago. In order for the chicks to hatch, it is necessary to keep the incubation material warm: at temperatures below +8 degrees the embryo dies.
Bird diseases
Chickens of the Ameraucana breed are distinguished from birth by their stable immunity to common viral and infectious diseases. Birds of this species are infected mainly with parasites. Therefore, it is important to organize the chicken coop so that pathogenic microorganisms do not penetrate inside.
